The crown, bridge or veneer fitted in your mouth is only as good as the laboratory that made it. A dental restoration is not a one-person job. It is a collaboration between your dentist and a skilled dental technician — and the quality of communication between them directly affects your result.
At Pure Smiles in Fulham, we work with Pictodent Dental Laboratory, a husband-and-wife-run lab just 2.5 miles away in Wandsworth. This close working relationship means faster turnaround times, tighter quality control and restorations that fit precisely the first time.
Pictodent was founded in 2015 by Chris and Kathrin Vielhaber. Kathrin is a highly experienced dental technician who began her professional training in 2003 and earned the German Master Craftsman Diploma (Meisterbrief) in 2012 from the Munster Chamber of Commerce — one of the most demanding qualifications in European dental technology.
| Restoration Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Crowns | Custom-made caps to protect and restore damaged teeth |
| Bridges | Fixed replacements for one or more missing teeth |
| Porcelain veneers | Thin shells bonded to front teeth for cosmetic improvement |
| Onlays | Conservative restorations for partially damaged teeth |
| Implant restorations | Custom abutments and crowns for dental implants |
| Bonded retainers | Wire retainers to keep teeth straight after orthodontic treatment |
Pictodent has grown entirely through word of mouth from satisfied dentists — a strong indicator of consistent quality. learn more
Most dental labs receive a case, fabricate the restoration and hear nothing unless there is a problem. The partnership between Pure Smiles and Pictodent works differently.
“We have always been in a constant exchange about the details of restorations, to make sure that the patients get the best outcome for their treatment,” said Chris Vielhaber. “We have learned a lot from the feedback — both good and bad — from Pure Smiles because their dentists have really high standards.”
| Factor | Local Lab (Pictodent) | Overseas Lab |
|---|---|---|
| Communication | Direct, same-day dialogue with technicians | Delayed by time zones and language barriers |
| Turnaround time | Faster; no international shipping | Weeks longer due to customs and transit |
| Shade matching | Technician can see the patient in person if needed | Based solely on photos and shade guides |
| Adjustments | Quick remakes or modifications | Lengthy back-and-forth |
| Accountability | Face-to-face relationship with your dentist | Limited oversight |
Dr Ayzaaz Akram (BDS Liverpool 1995, GDC 70996) and the Pure Smiles team regularly sit down with Chris and Kathrin to review cases, discuss techniques and ensure every restoration meets the highest standards before it reaches your mouth. learn more
When your dentist and dental technician communicate closely and hold each other to high standards, you benefit in three measurable ways:
Whether you need a single crown, a set of porcelain veneers or an implant-supported bridge, the quality of the laboratory work underpins your outcome. At Pure Smiles, we choose our partners carefully so you do not have to. learn more
Your restoration is handcrafted by Kathrin Vielhaber at Pictodent Dental Laboratory in Wandsworth. Kathrin holds the German Master Craftsman Diploma in dental technology and works closely with the Pure Smiles dental team on every case.
A local laboratory allows direct communication between your dentist and technician, faster turnaround times and the option for the technician to assess shade and fit in person. This results in more accurate, better-looking restorations.
After your tooth is prepared and impressions are taken, your custom restoration is typically ready within one to two weeks. Because Pictodent is local, turnaround is faster than labs based further afield. A temporary restoration protects your tooth in the interim.
Yes. Pictodent fabricates implant abutments and crowns as well as standard crowns, bridges, veneers and onlays. This ensures consistency of quality across all restoration types. learn more
